Shifterati2015 BMW M3
This page is a draft. It has not been approved yet, so read it with care.
Learn
What changed
- New M3 sedan with a turbocharged six, on sale from early summer 2014.1
What it came with
Compare with another year
Buy
Watch out for
Reputation: what owners and the press report. Tap one to see what to check.
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Crank hub slipping All years One source so far
What to check: Ask whether an upgraded, pinned or keyed crank hub has been fitted, and how the car was driven and tuned.
On CarComplaints, two owners of 2016 M3s raise it. One reports the crank hub spinning and the engine dying while coasting toward an intersection, at about 20,000 miles; the other calls the hub a ticking time bomb likely to fail just outside the warranty.
Sources 4
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Rod bearing wear All years One source so far
What to check: Listen for knocking from the bottom of the engine, and ask for proof the bearings were replaced.
Euro Premium Parts calls this critical, at about 40,000 to 80,000 miles and above all on tracked or hard-driven cars, and suggests replacing them at about 50,000 to 60,000.
Sources 5
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Oil leaks All years One source so far
What to check: Look for oil on the engine block below the oil filter housing, and for oil in the spark plug tubes.
Euro Premium Parts reports the oil filter housing gasket leaking from about 30,000 miles, and the valve cover gasket and plug tube seals from about 40,000.
Sources 5
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Cracked charge pipes and boost hoses All years One source so far
What to check: Feel for a sudden loss of boost, and look over the plastic pipes and hoses.
Euro Premium Parts dates this from about 20,000 miles, most often on tuned or tracked cars.
Sources 5
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High-pressure fuel pump All years One source so far
What to check: Feel for rough running, misfires or stalling under load.
Euro Premium Parts says most failures come at about 30,000 to 60,000 miles.
Sources 5
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Electric water pump and thermostat All years One source so far
What to check: Watch the temperature, and ask for records of their replacement.
Euro Premium Parts dates failures to about 50,000 to 80,000 miles.
Sources 5
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DCT clutch wear All years One source so far
What to check: Feel for jerking or slow engagement at low speed.
Euro Premium Parts says it comes most often after 60,000 miles.
Sources 5
Recalls
- 15V782000 2015–2016
The driveshaft's slip joint may lack grease and fail, cutting drive to the rear wheels. Dealers inspect the driveshaft and replace it if needed.6,7
- 16V653000 2015–2016
Rear subframe bolts reused during differential work can loosen, affecting the handling. Dealers fit new bolts.6,7
- 24V288000 2015
The head airbag's inflator can fail at a weld, leaking gas or bursting.6
What buyers say
Reputation: what owners and the press report
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Sought after: The Competition package All years One source so far
Euro Premium Parts calls the Competition the first choice of the F80, with firmer adaptive suspension and revised engine mounts.5
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Avoid: An early car without service records All years Less sought after One source so far
Euro Premium Parts advises avoiding early cars without a documented service history, and advises against BMW's long oil change intervals.5
Before you pay
Every warning and recall for this generation, with a box to tick.